At its core, this is a story about legacy—Booker T’s accomplished past versus Swerve Strickland’s evolving present. It’s a clash of generational perspectives, professional journeys, and deeply personal truths
Brad Gilmore’s defense of Booker is rooted in loyalty and history, while Swerve’s challenge comes from a place of frustration and a desire for progress.
Whether you side with the Hall of Famer or the rebellious star, one thing is clear: this conversation is far from over.
And in wrestling, the best stories are always the ones that blur the lines between fiction and reality.
As AEW moves past Dynasty, the landscape is wide open. Will Strickland seek revenge immediately, or will he spiral further into bitterness? Will Booker T make a surprise AEW appearance? Will The Young Bucks explain their motives?
One thing is certain—AEW has struck storytelling gold. And at the center of it all is Swerve Strickland: betrayed, battered, and more dangerous than ever.
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Table of Contents
Swerve Strickland’s Bold Claims
A Broken System?
During his impromptu promo, Strickland reflected on his time in WWE under the NXT and later main roster umbrella.1
He claimed that he was marginalized and rarely given the chance to shine, unlike some of his peers.
While he acknowledged that some success stories existed, he argued that Black talent often faced an uphill battle, with limited room at the top and even fewer creative freedoms.
“I didn’t get the same spotlight,” Strickland said. “And people like Booker T out here acting like that system was built for us. Nah, it wasn’t.”
The words struck a nerve not just with fans, but also with those personally close to Booker T.
— The Realest Swerve Strickland (@swerveconfident) April 7, 2025
Booker T’s Perspective: Gratitude Over Grievance
Booker T has publicly responded to similar sentiments in the past. While he has long acknowledged the racial struggles within wrestling’s history, the six-time world champion has also consistently spoken positively about his time in WWE.
He’s emphasized his belief that hard work and professionalism were the keys to his success—not necessarily privilege or preference.
Booker has gone on record saying, “WWE gave me everything I needed to succeed. I never felt like I was held back.”
That quote, and others like it, highlight the central point of contention between him and Strickland: the subjective nature of lived experience in wrestling.
Enter Brad Gilmore: A Voice for Booker T
When Strickland’s comments made waves online, it wasn’t long before Booker T’s loyal friend and podcast co-host Brad Gilmore stepped in to defend the Hall of Famer.
Known as the co-anchor of the popular “Hall of Fame” podcast, Gilmore is not just a commentator—he’s a trusted ally.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Gilmore posted an image collage featuring Booker T’s countless accolades: WCW Championships, WWE World Titles, Intercontinental reigns, and his legendary run as King Booker.
The caption was short but powerful:
“In case you forgot.”
This subtle but pointed response served to remind both fans and Swerve that Booker T’s resume speaks for itself.
Swerve Strickland: Fan Reactions
A Divided Audience
Unsurprisingly, the wrestling community erupted with passionate opinions.2
Social media platforms were flooded with hot takes, memes, and lengthy threads debating who was right—Strickland or Booker T. Some fans echoed Strickland’s sentiments, arguing that WWE’s track record with Black talent has historically been inconsistent.
They cited wrestlers like Kofi Kingston, Big E, and Bianca Belair as rare exceptions rather than the norm.
Others, however, supported Booker’s view. They pointed out his legendary status as a trailblazer who paved the way for others through sheer resilience and professionalism, not just opportunity.
Historical Context: Representation in Wrestling
It’s important to recognize the historical backdrop of this dispute. Wrestling has long been criticized for its lack of diversity, especially in its portrayal and elevation of Black wrestlers.
While there have been improvements over the years, including landmark title wins and main event moments, the underlying systemic challenges remain a topic of discussion.
Strickland’s critique is part of a larger conversation that has been gaining momentum within the industry. Wrestlers and fans alike are increasingly vocal about the need for authentic representation and equitable opportunities, both in front of and behind the camera.
Swerve Strickland’s Legacy and Rise in AEW
Despite his criticisms of WWE, there’s no denying that Swerve Strickland has thrived in AEW.3
Since joining the promotion, he has captured major titles, headlined Pay-Per-Views, and built one of the most charismatic personas in the company.
Many fans see him as a symbol of what’s possible when creative freedom meets talent. His story in AEW is one of redemption—a reinvention of a wrestler who felt overlooked elsewhere.
The Broader Implication: Who Owns the Narrative?
This feud raises a vital question: Who gets to control the narrative of a wrestler’s journey? Is it the individual with the lived experience, like Swerve, or the veteran who succeeded in the same system, like Booker? Can both truths coexist?
Brad Gilmore’s response wasn’t just a defense of Booker’s legacy; it was a rebuttal to the idea that success in WWE can’t be genuine for a Black wrestler. But Strickland’s point isn’t necessarily about erasing Booker’s legacy—it’s about challenging the notion that his experience is universal.
With this war of words intensifying, fans are beginning to wonder if AEW could capitalize on the heat by inviting Booker T for a face-to-face confrontation with Strickland.
While Booker is retired from in-ring competition, he has made sporadic appearances in WWE and at other wrestling events. A promo battle between these two could be electric—and it would undoubtedly blur the line between reality and storyline in a way only wrestling can.
The Role of Media and Podcasts in Wrestling Feuds
This incident also showcases how wrestling podcasts and digital platforms have become central to the narrative of modern wrestling feuds.
Brad Gilmore’s role as a podcast host turned public defender illustrates the evolving dynamics of kayfabe and reality. In today’s wrestling landscape, a tweet or a podcast episode can carry just as much weight as an on-screen promo.
After making waves with his comments, Swerve will likely continue to be a focal point in AEW’s storytelling.
Whether the company leans into this real-life tension remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—Swerve Strickland isn’t afraid to stir the pot and speak his mind, even if it means calling out legends.
With his star power growing and his matches delivering consistently, AEW may find itself with a breakout anti-hero who thrives by challenging the status quo—not just in storyline, but in real life.
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Swerve Strickland’s Collision Course with Destiny
In the world of professional wrestling, timing is everything. For Swerve Strickland, AEW Dynasty 2025 was supposed to be his defining moment—his crowning achievement.
Set against the electric backdrop of a sold-out Philadelphia crowd, Strickland was poised to take on Jon Moxley, the reigning AEW World Champion, in the main event.
But what was meant to be a career-altering triumph turned into a heartbreaking setback that reverberated across the wrestling world.
The Build-Up: Strickland’s Rise to the Top
Swerve Strickland’s journey to the AEW World Championship match was far from ordinary. A former WWE Superstar and member of Hit Row, Strickland found new life in AEW.
With charisma, high-flying ability, and a brash confidence that made him a fan favorite and a locker room threat, Strickland clawed his way to the top. Over the course of several months, he racked up wins and momentum, setting his sights on Moxley.
His path to the title shot was paved with brutality, creativity, and storytelling. With every promo and in-ring performance, Swerve proved he belonged in AEW’s upper echelon. His work earned him a main-event opportunity at Dynasty 2025—a night that was supposed to be about legacy.
The Main Event: Moxley vs. Strickland
When the bell rang for the AEW Dynasty 2025 main event, the atmosphere was electric. Strickland entered with a swagger that told the audience he believed it was his time.
Jon Moxley, the champion and unpredictable force of nature, stood across the ring, ready to crush the challenger’s dreams.
The match was nothing short of a classic. It combined brawling and technical mastery with high-risk offense, encapsulating everything AEW fans love about their product.
Moxley’s grit clashed beautifully with Strickland’s precision and flair. Both men pushed each other to their limits, delivering one of the most memorable main events in recent AEW history.
The Shocking Return of The Young Bucks
- Just when it seemed that Strickland might pull off the upset and dethrone Moxley, chaos erupted.
- The arena lights flickered, and to the shock of the Philadelphia crowd, The Young Bucks—Matthew and Nicholas Jackson—made their surprise return.
- Having been absent from AEW programming for months, the Bucks entered the fray with bad intentions. Their superkicks and V-Triggers dismantled Strickland, leaving him vulnerable.
- Moxley, seizing the opportunity, hit a Death Rider and secured the pinfall. The crowd was stunned. Strickland had been robbed, and the title remained around Moxley’s waist.
- As the bell rang and Moxley celebrated, the AEW audience erupted into boos—not directed at Moxley, but at the Bucks. Social media exploded with outrage. Fans and analysts speculated on the motives behind the Jacksons’ actions.
- Were they aligning with Moxley? Was this the rebirth of The Elite? Or was it something even more sinister—a declaration of war against AEW’s future stars like Strickland?
- Swerve, meanwhile, was left in the ring, betrayed and bruised, his championship dreams crushed by forces outside his control.
Swerve Strickland’s Promo on Booker T
In the aftermath of the match, Strickland didn’t fade into the shadows.
Instead, he grabbed a microphone and turned his frustration into a verbal assault—aimed not at Moxley or the Bucks, but at WWE Hall of Famer and wrestling legend Booker T.
This wasn’t just a promo; it was a firestorm. Strickland accused Booker T of holding him back during his WWE days. He blamed Booker for “never believing” in him and claimed that his legacy had been tainted by Booker’s constant undermining.
The promo was raw, unscripted, and personal. Swerve’s tone shifted between anger and heartbreak, revealing years of resentment. The crowd was divided—some cheered his passion, others were caught off guard by the unexpected target.
Unpacking the Booker T Connection
Booker T has long been a respected voice in wrestling, not just as a former World Champion but as a mentor and analyst.
During Swerve’s time in WWE, Booker often offered critiques of his character work and in-ring performance on his podcast and on television appearances.
While these critiques were often seen as constructive, it’s clear now that Strickland took them to heart. His AEW promo wasn’t just a moment of frustration—it was a culmination of years of perceived disrespect.
Swerve Strickland: Promotion
F ormer AEW world champion Swerve Strickland collab with JordanCraig and promoting their House Call Hoodie, Available now on JordanCraig.com.
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AEW’s Masterclass in Blending Reality and Storytelling
AEW has carved out a niche in the wrestling world by expertly blending real-life tension with kayfabe storytelling. Strickland’s promo is another example of this hybrid style.
Was it real? Was it scripted? That’s the beauty of it—fans don’t quite know. And that ambiguity is what keeps audiences glued to the product.
AEW took a real-life relationship and turned it into compelling television, adding another layer to Strickland’s character development.
The Bigger Picture: Where Does Swerve Go From Here?
Swerve Strickland’s loss at AEW Dynasty 2025 may seem like a setback on the surface, but in the world of wrestling, losses often build legends.
His fiery promo, combined with the interference from The Young Bucks, ensures that Swerve remains at the center of AEW’s storytelling moving forward.
With Booker T now a target, the feud could go in several directions—Booker might appear on AEW TV, or another veteran could step in to defend his legacy. Meanwhile, Strickland has unfinished business with both Moxley and the Bucks.
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